Northern Ireland weekend weather outlook as warmer conditions forecast

Newcastle in Co Down as temperatures are set to rise this coming mid-September weekend in Northern Ireland
-Credit: (Image: Phil Magowan/PressEye)


Northern Ireland recorded its coldest early September since 1986 this week as temperatures dropped below zero across the UK with a low of -1.4°C recorded in the Co Down hamlet of Katesbridge.

The unseasonably chilly start on Friday also marked the earliest frost in Northern Ireland since August 24th 2020.

But there's a welcome improvement on the cards as the weekend looks set to be warmer, the Met Office has said.

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Despite the chilly conditions over the past few days, forecasters say the weekend will be “fine and dry” in many areas with temperatures climbing back up to the high teens or even 20°C.

Jason Kelly, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, says the cold Arctic air we have been experiencing will be replaced with warmer westerlies over the weekend.

“High pressure will bring fine weather to the south, but there is an area of low pressure to the north-west, which will push some weather fronts across Scotland and Northern Ireland, bringing rain and thicker cloud. It will also be windy across northern Scotland, especially on Saturday,” he added.

On Sunday, that front will move south-east, bringing cloud and patchy rain to parts of northern England and Wales but clear and sunny spells either side of the front – dry in the south but with some showers in the north.

The warmer temperatures are expected to stay around into next week, with the weather likely to be dry for many.

Deputy chief meteorologist David Oliver added: “In the wake of the front on Sunday, high pressure then builds, bringing fine and dry conditions to most parts of the UK for much of next week.

“If any rain develops it is expected to be confined to the extreme north-west of Scotland on Monday and Tuesday. There is a risk of some fog patches overnight and temperatures continue to increase, with many places a little above average by mid-week.”

Here's what to expect in Northern Ireland over the next few days, according to the Met Office.

Saturday:

Dry morning with some brightness, mainly in the southeast. The afternoon will be cloudy with some patchy light rain spreading eastwards. A milder day with fresh southerly winds. Maximum temperature 18°C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Dry with some warm sunshine on Sunday. Staying dry on Monday. Dry, bright and warm on Tuesday.

UK long range weather forecast: Wednesday 18th September - Friday 27th September

Through the second half of next week, the vast majority of the UK is expected to be fine and dry, with spells of sunshine for most areas during the day. If any rainfall develops it will likely be confined to the far north or northwest and only at the start of this period.

Daytime temperatures will likely be above average for many regions, although some cool nights are possible with mist or fog patches developing overnight.

Fairly strong winds could affect the south at times. There is little change expected during the following weekend and much of the week that follows, although by late September there is a chance that more unsettled conditions may begin to develop.

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